With Ganeshotsav 2025 around the corner, Mumbai’s Ganesh Mandals are pushing for the waiver of the Rs 2,000 penalty imposed by the municipal corporation for road damage during pandal construction. Organisers argue the fine undermines the festival’s cultural and economic importance, urging the state to extend last year’s concession. The demand comes amid wider calls for policy changes that balance civic infrastructure protection with the preservation of Mumbai’s most celebrated public festival
In a high-level review meeting chaired by the state leadership, attended by senior municipal and police officials, representatives from the city’s Ganeshotsav coordination body pressed for a complete rollback of the fine for the second consecutive year. The penalty, originally proposed at Rs 15,000, was reduced last year following resistance from festival organisers. Mandal representatives argue that the reduced amount still fails to recognise the unique status of Ganeshotsav as a public festival with historic and cultural roots that contribute significantly to the city’s economy and tourism.Officials from the coordination body emphasised that the current fine structure does not reflect a balanced approach between civic discipline and cultural facilitation. They also raised broader concerns, including the reinstatement of public holidays during the festival’s concluding day, permanent policy clarity on the use of Plaster of Paris idols, exemption from high fire safety charges for large-scale pandals, and tax assessments based on non-commercial rates for cultural setups.
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The discussion also touched upon the need for sustainable festival practices in line with the city’s green objectives. Civic authorities were urged to collaborate with Mandals to adopt eco-friendly materials, improve waste management, and ensure that the festival’s infrastructural impact on the city is mitigated without compromising its celebratory scale. This aligns with broader urban goals of developing equitable, environmentally responsible, and culturally vibrant public spaces.While officials signalled a positive response to the waiver request, the final decision is yet to be formally announced. Supporters of the waiver argue that penalising cultural institutions for minor road damage, often repaired post-festival, ignores the community-building role that Ganeshotsav plays. Critics, however, caution that leniency without accountability could encourage disregard for civic infrastructure, urging for clear festival-specific civic guidelines instead.
Political voices have also entered the debate, with some leaders questioning why festival committees are fined for localised potholes while larger infrastructure failures go unpenalised. This has added a layer of political friction to what is essentially an urban governance issue centred on balancing cultural heritage with civic responsibility.The final policy direction will likely set a precedent for how Mumbai negotiates its relationship between large public celebrations and the preservation of its civic infrastructure. As Ganeshotsav preparations gather momentum, both festival organisers and city authorities appear keen to reach a resolution that respects tradition, ensures public safety, and supports the city’s sustainability agenda.
Maharashtra CM Urged To Waive Two Thousand BMC Fines Ganeshotsav
